This lively city just north of the Pyrénées has an almost Spanish feel to it. Once to home the Kings of Majorca and the Counts of Roussillon, it retains and celebrates Catalan roots and many of its citizens continue to speak the language which is derived from Occitan.

Until the late 17th century Perpignan remained part of Catalonia but disputes between the French and the King of Aragon led eventually to the Treaty of Pyrénées and Perpignan became part of France.

Sights

Start at the Place de la Loge where you will find the Tourist Office and the impressive late 14th century Gothic structure of the Loge de Mer which housed a tribunal which heard cases involving trade disputes.